Pi“a will manage the councilman’s Westchester office and oversee all district operations in the southern half of the district. In addition to his management duties, Pi“a will serve as the primary contact for residents, business and community organizations in Venice and City of Los Angeles portions of the Marina del Rey area.

Until last month, Pi“a was director of field operations for the City of Los Angeles Department of Neighborhood Empowerment.

Previously, he served as deputy director and interim executive director of the city’s Human Relations Commission, and worked for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

“Arturo brings a wealth of experience in management, strategic development, community relations, and field work,” Rosen- dahl said. “Hiring him was a huge coup for our team, and it will be a tremendous benefit to our district.”

Kennedy will serve as the primary contact for residents, business, and community organizations in Westchester, Playa del Rey, and Playa Vista. A field representative for Congresswoman Jane Harman of Venice for the past year, Kennedy has focused on environmental issues, education, and economic development.

He has also worked as a political staffer for U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer, Gen. Wesley Clark, and “Yes on 82: Preschool for All.” Kennedy also has a background in business development, is fluent in Spanish, and has degrees in economics from the London School of Economics and the College of William & Mary.

“Jim has a sharp mind, great passion for the issues I care about, and tremendous personal skills,” Rosendahl said. “He will be an exceptional field deputy and a great link to the communities I serve.”

Blumenfeld is the third member of Rosendahl’s planning unit, joining planning deputy Grieg Asher and assistant planning deputy Marina Martos, who is now based in the field offices to work more closely with the community.

Blumenfeld has extensive planning experience from the private sector, drafting environmental impact reports and working with public agencies, Rosendahl said. She has also worked as a project manager for Pacific Charter School Development. She has a B.A. in geography and environmental studies, a master’s in Latin American Studies, and a master’s in Urban Planning — all from UCLA.

“The Westside has more projects and planning issues than any other district in the city,” Rosendahl said. “Whitney’s experience and savvy will serve us well in getting our arms around all the projects on our plate, and helping us make sure the community’s desires are integrated into all planning decisions.”

A full list of Rosendahl’s staff members is available at www .councilmanrosendahl.com/.